These Brown Sugar Candied Yams are a sweet and comforting side dish that will make your taste buds dance! They’re soft, sweet, and coated in a delicious caramel-like sauce.
Every bite is like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen. I love serving them during family dinners, and let’s be real—who can resist that sticky, sugary goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yams or Sweet Potatoes: Either works great, but I lean towards yams for their creamy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use canned yams—just rinse and drain them before adding to the dish.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar gives a rich flavor. If you want less sweetness, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit, but the color and flavor will vary.
Unsalted Butter: For that classic buttery taste. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, go for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
Orange Juice: Fresh juice adds a zesty brightness. If you don’t have any, you can use apple juice or even a splash of maple syrup to maintain that sweetness.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are must-haves for warmth. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of pumpkin spice can also add a nice twist.
How Can I Ensure My Yams Are Cooked to Perfection?
The key to perfectly cooked yams is to slice them evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate. When melting the butter and mixing with the brown sugar, whisk it well until it’s smooth. This step helps the sugars dissolve properly.
- Preheat the oven properly before baking.
- Cover the dish with foil initially to keep moisture in, then remove it to caramelize.
- Check for doneness by piercing with a fork—if it goes in easily, they’re ready!
- For that lovely golden color, broiling at the end adds a crispy finish—just keep an eye on them.
Enjoy your candied yams as a simple yet delightful dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Brown Sugar Candied Yams
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Yams:
- 4 large yams or sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch thick rounds or chunks
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to cook in the oven. So, in just over an hour, you’ll have a delicious sweet side dish ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the yams don’t stick.
2. Cut the Yams:
Peel the yams and cut them into nice, even 1-inch thick rounds or chunks. This helps them cook uniformly and ensures they’re tender all the way through.
3. Arrange the Yams:
Place the chopped yams in the greased baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer. This allows them to cook evenly and soak up all that good sauce.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
5. Coat the Yams:
Pour the delicious brown sugar mixture evenly over the yams, ensuring that every piece gets coated in that sweet goodness!
6. Bake the Yams:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake it in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. This helps steam the yams, making them nice and tender.
7. Finish Baking Uncovered:
After 30 minutes, take off the foil and gently stir the yams. Continue baking uncovered for another 20-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they are tender when pierced with a fork, and the sauce is thick and bubbly.
8. Caramelize the Yams:
If you want those yams to have a beautiful caramelized top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Just keep a close watch to prevent any burning!
9. Serving Time:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, spoon out the yams along with their luscious caramelized sauce onto plates. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness!
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or serves as a sweet, comforting side at your holiday meals. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Canned Yams for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned yams! Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before adding them to the dish. Since they’re already cooked, you’ll want to reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes, just enough to warm them up and allow the sauce to soak in.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar combined with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar) to achieve a similar flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar works as a neat substitute for a similar taste, though the texture may vary slightly.
How Can I Store Leftover Candied Yams?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a baking dish and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of water if they seem dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the yams and the sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, layer them in your baking dish and follow the instructions, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
